Promises Without Execution: Beirut Airport Reveals Struggles with Frequent Power Outages

The presidency of Rafic Hariri International Airport – Beirut announced in a statement that "the airport has been without electricity supply from the public grid since this morning, forcing it to rely on backup generators to ensure operational continuity and maintain a possible level of regularity in various facilities and equipment." It stated: "Despite repeated inquiries made by the airport presidency with Electricite du Liban regarding the reasons for the power outage and the time of its restoration, only promises were made about restoring electricity supply to the airport without any realization, and no official response or clarification has been received to date on this matter."

While confirming that "continuing to operate vital facilities via backup generators constitutes an emergency measure to ensure work continuity," the statement noted that "the ongoing power cut to this vital facility negatively impacts operational efficiency and the quality of services provided, placing additional operational burdens on the airport, especially given the importance of maintaining the continuity of facilities and equipment related to passenger movement and operational safety."

Accordingly, the airport presidency appealed to "Electricite du Liban and concerned authorities to urgently address this situation and restore electricity supply, while ensuring the airport administration is informed of the reasons for the outage and the expected duration for restoration, enabling necessary measures to be taken and limiting the operational repercussions resulting from the continuation of this situation."

It affirmed "its commitment to continuing operations and securing services for passengers, airlines, and other entities working within the airport, despite the exceptional operational conditions caused by the power outage," emphasizing that "the sustainability of services in this vital facility requires the availability of public electricity supply in a regular and reliable manner."